An alert was issued in Kerala after the MSC ELSA 3 cargo ship sank in the Arabian Sea, leading to concerns over environmental hazards. The disaster occurred on Sunday when the vessel, which was carrying hazardous cargo, began to tilt dangerously and ultimately capsized approximately 38 nautical miles from Kochi.
All 24 crew members were successfully rescued by Indian navy personnel following a prolonged effort, but reports indicate that some of the ship's 640 containers have started drifting toward the coast, raising alarm for both residents and local wildlife. The authorities are particularly worried about the impact of the leaked oil and fuel, which threatens the health of coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
The Kerala chief minister's office has advised residents near the shoreline to avoid touching any suspicious containers or oil that might wash ashore. Fishermen are urged to stay away from the sunken ship as the situation develops.
To counter the ecological threat, pollution control measures have been intensified, with the Indian Coast Guard deploying specialized vessels and aircraft equipped with oil spill detection systems to manage the situation. The capsizing of the MSC ELSA 3, which had been transporting a dangerous mix of hazardous chemicals and large quantities of diesel and furnace oil, heightened concerns for the area's rich biodiversity and its status as a vital tourist destination.
All 24 crew members were successfully rescued by Indian navy personnel following a prolonged effort, but reports indicate that some of the ship's 640 containers have started drifting toward the coast, raising alarm for both residents and local wildlife. The authorities are particularly worried about the impact of the leaked oil and fuel, which threatens the health of coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
The Kerala chief minister's office has advised residents near the shoreline to avoid touching any suspicious containers or oil that might wash ashore. Fishermen are urged to stay away from the sunken ship as the situation develops.
To counter the ecological threat, pollution control measures have been intensified, with the Indian Coast Guard deploying specialized vessels and aircraft equipped with oil spill detection systems to manage the situation. The capsizing of the MSC ELSA 3, which had been transporting a dangerous mix of hazardous chemicals and large quantities of diesel and furnace oil, heightened concerns for the area's rich biodiversity and its status as a vital tourist destination.
